The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to welcome back Brandon Hagel as they prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens. Hagel, who missed four games due to an upper-body injury, is expected to boost the team after his return.
Brandon Hagel’s Injury and Return
Brandon Hagel suffered an injury during a match against the Florida Panthers on December 15. He was injured in the third period after being hit by an opponent’s elbow. Initially, Hagel was listed as day-to-day as he recovered from the incident.
This season, the 26-year-old forward has made a significant impact on the ice, tallying 18 goals and 13 assists in just 32 games prior to his injury. His offensive contributions will be crucial as the Lightning aim to improve their standings.
Additional Lineup Changes
Head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that defenseman Maxim Gorshev will also join the lineup for his NHL debut. Gorshev has shown impressive form with the Syracuse Crunch this season. He has played in 27 games, recording one goal and 11 assists, making him the leading scorer among Crunch defensemen.
- Maxim Gorshev: 27 games, 1 goal, 11 assists
- Leads Crunch defensemen in assists and shots on goal (50)
Upcoming Games for the Lightning
While the return of Hagel is a positive sign, the Lightning will still be missing key players due to injuries. Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed), Victor Hedman (elbow), Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed), and Erik Cermark (hand) will not be in the lineup.
After facing the Canadiens, Tampa Bay will embark on a challenging three-game road trip:
| Opponent | Date |
|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Wednesday |
| Los Angeles Kings | Thursday |
| San Jose Sharks | Saturday |
Hagel’s return could provide the momentum the Lightning need as they look to capitalize on upcoming games against competitive opponents.
